A new and simple Doppler method for measurement of fetal cardiac isovolumetric contraction time

Abstract

Objectives: The fetal cardiac isovolumetric contraction time is defined as the interval between mitral valve closure and aortic valve opening. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and reliable Doppler method for measuring fetal isovolumetric contraction time using a digital filtering and processing system. Methods: Cardiac Doppler signals were recorded from 40 fetuses at 18-40 weeks' gestation using a continuous-wave ultrasound transducer. The raw signal was digitized, filtered and divided into five different frequency ranges: 250-375, 375-500, 500-750, 750-1000 and 1000-1500 Hz. To determine the most suitable filter setting for detecting mitral valve closure and aortic valve opening signals, we examined whether they were detected clearly in each filter range. Results: Both mitral valve closure and aortic valve opening signals were detected clearly in the 500-1000 Hz range. The atrioventricular flow and outflow noises in the 250-500 and 1000-1500 Hz ranges helped us to identify the signals. It was found that dividing the raw signals into three ranges of 250-500, 500-1000 and 1000-1500 Hz was the most suitable digital-filter setting for measuring isovolumetric contraction time. Conclusions: We have developed a simple Doppler method for measuring fetal isovolumetric contraction time. The advent of digital processing has simplified the equipment and the simultaneous multidisplay of three different filtered signals enables easy and accurate measurement.